Ypsilanti & Ypsilanti TWP trails

[Crispy]

I live in Ypsi Twp & have noticed with the huron river running right through most of it along with Ford & belleville lakes they might be some opportunity for trails. I need to know if someone is working on this effort or if it has been worked on in the past. I don't want to do double work. let me know....... -Chris-

[Todd Scott]

Chris: I'm not aware of any such projects in that area. You may want to email Robert Hurley at the Poto chapter (poto@mmba.org) and ask him.

[mkow1234]

Crispy:

I used to live in Belleville. That area is pretty much developed with apartments and single-family housing units. I used to ride around the lakes, and I can tell you that traffic can be heavy at times. I don't believe there is any vacant land along Ford and Belleville lakes, with the exception of a township park along the I-94 Service Drive, just east of Rawsonville Road (can't think of the park name). The park had some potential, but then U of M either leased land or worked out a deal to "develop" the township park. Them U of M a-holes knocked down a few acres of trees and scraped up the earth, just so they could build a pond for their rowing team to practice in on days when the lake was too rough. It was so beautiful before the trees were cut, I was hoping the state would have acquired it to create a small state park.

The rest of the park featured a picnic area and a bandshell for free concerts. There's still some woods, and the topography is rolling, so it could be a nice place to start a small trail system.

I suggest that you start by researching the area and finding out who's jurisdiction the park is under (It's probably Ypsilanti Township, Van Buren Township, or something like that). Study the area and determine if there is suitable space and conditions for the development of a trail system. Then, research and write a proposal and submit it to the decision makers.

Good luck.